Philips monitors continue tradition of dependability

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Philips makes solid, dependable and reasonably priced LCD monitors, and the company's latest offerings for its X- and C-lines continue this tradition.

Picture quality for the 15-inch model is fairly sharp, but the display outshines its competitors (literally) in its brightness. In fact, if the brightness is turned to maximum, the display could almost serve as substitute room lighting.

Its more expensive 15-inch cousin uses Philips' LightFrame technology to further add to the brightness.

Seven sleek buttons reside inconspicuously on the right edge of the monitor, allowing for standard display settings and power. One button is reserved for an automatic reset of display properties, allowing for quick out-of-the-box usage.

While the buttons look good, the control interface is not initially intuitive. First-time users will find themselves mistakenly hitting the button to change brightness instead of the menu controls.

The monitors provide one-touch automatic display adjustments, although the results usually require further manual adjustments afterwards.

And all cables can be threaded through the display's stand to reduce ugly cord clutter. One annoying feature that only very few LCD panels have addressed and remains flawed in the new Philips models is the lack of height adjustment when it is stand mounted.

The screen can be tilted up and down to adjust for a user's height, but a tall person would still have to look down at the screen - which is not good for the shoulders and back.

The only alternatives are to mount the display like a picture frame to the wall or stack ugly piles of telephone directories underneath the monitor - not the most aesthetically pleasant solution for a cool-looking monitor.

A 17-inch model will also be available. All models come in a silver front casing.

Philips LCD monitors

Specifications

Price: HK$2,890 for the 150c, HK$3,090 for the 170c and HK$2,990 for the 150x